Rapeseed oil prices set to firm up

Biodiesel sales stagnate in spite of higher GHG quota

In spite of the increase in the greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction requirement from 3.5 to 4.0 percent introduced at the beginning of the year and the further increase in diesel consumption to almost 15 million tonnes (prior year: 14.15 million tonnes), biodiesel consumption has fallen once again from 0.912 million tonnes to 0.848 million tonnes.
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EU sunflower crop smaller than expected

The EU Commission lowered its forecast for EU-28 sunflower output in 2017 from the previous month. Above all, Southeast European yields were forecast down.
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Conducting food/fuel debate based on facts

UFOP report confirms very good supply situation to the international raw material markets
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Charts supply report 2016/2017

European and world demand for biomass for the purpose of biofuel production in relation to supply in the food and feedstuff markets
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Rapeseed imports from Australia expected to decline

In 2016/17, Australia was the second largest supplier of rapeseed to Germany after France. This situation is unlikely to repeat itself in the coming year because the current drought will probably cut the Australian rapeseed harvest and reduce exports volumes.
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When rapeseed blossoms in springtime, millions of bees and the wind together provide the foundation for rapeseed oil production, with the rapeseed grains from the pods being pressed in oil mills. This is how rapeseed oil and rapeseed meal is produced.
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Biofuels - 73% average greenhouse gas saving in 2016

In its current evaluation of the sustainability certificates for the year 2016, the German Federal Office for Agriculture and Food (Bundesanstalt für Landwirtschaft und Ernährung: BLE) confirms increasing greenhouse gas efficiency in biofuels in Germany. The average GHG reduction compared to fossil fuels is 73 percent. There was an improvement in GHG reductions for all biofuel types compared to the year 2015.
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201705_COPA-COGECA Positionpaper REDII – Strengthening the role of agricultural and forest biomass in all bioenergy sectors to achieve the EU’s 2030 climate and energy goals

The proposal for a recast of the directive on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources (proposal for a RED II Directive) is in contradiction with the EU’s objectives concerning the protection of the climate, energy security, and the promotion of a low-carbon and circular economy. Indeed, the Commission proposes to abandon the target to promote renewable energy sources in the transport sector, to reduce or scrap the use of conventional biofuels, to consider waste-based fossil fuels as renewable fuels, to restrict priority access, transmission and distribution of electricity produced from
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POSITION OF THE EUROPEAN OILSEED ALLIANCE (EOA) ON THE RENEWABLE ENERGY DIRECTIVE PROPOSAL (RED II)

The EU Commission proposal of 30th November 2016 to revise the Renewable Energy Directive (RED II) foresees:
▪ The deletion of the 10% target for renewables in transport;
▪ Its replacement with a new target of 6.8% exclusively directed to low-emission and advanced biofuels in 2030 – the crop-based biofuels from the 1st generation not being accounted for in this target;
▪ A phasing down of crop-based biofuels through a digressive
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Rapeseed the Power Plant

Over 1.3 million hectares of rapeseed oil fields are blossoming in Germany at the moment. The plants store the sun’s energy in the seeds and in the rapeseed oil derived from these seeds. Its energy density is comparable to that of diesel fuel. As a result, rapeseed oil and the rapeseed methyl ester produced from it, better known as biodiesel, is by far the most important fuel alternative certified as sustainable in Germany and Europe.
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E-mobility - alternative fuels and their development for use in plug-in hybrid vehicles

The cars of the future will also be powered by electricity. Even today, the proportion of hybrid vehicles, which have an electric motor and a combustion engine, is increasing (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles, PHEV). This affects refuelling habits, since the hybrid drive causes the effective fuel consumption to fall meaning fuel remains in the tank longer than before.
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EU-28 oilseed crop expected to be larger than previous year

The 2017/18 oilseed output in the EU-28 could clearly exceed last year's production, an EU Commission report indicates. Especially rapeseed and sunflower crops are estimated larger. The European oilseed associations Copa and Cogeca disagree with the Commission’s forecast.
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UFOP welcomes vote to exclude palm oil for biofuel use

The European Parliament has approved the initiative report on the subject “Palm oil and the uprooting of rainforests” with an overwhelming majority. The European Parliament supports the move to exclude palm oil as a raw material for energetic use from 2020, at the same time acknowledging the sustainability of biofuels made from oil plants (rapeseed and sunflower) grown within Europe.
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Rapeseed prices are well above those of wheat

The ratio of futures market quotations of rapeseed to wheat increased continually over the 2016/17 marketing year. The figure temporarily rose to 2.3.
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Position of the German biofuel value chain on the European Commission's proposal for a recast of the Renewable Energy Directive (RED II)

Today, biofuels contribute 5 per cent of the energy consumed in the transport sector (2015: 31.6 billion Kilowatt hours). This prevents 6.7 million tonnes of CO2 emissions annually. Today, biofuels are the most important renewable energy source in transport; the contribution of renewable electricity is around one ninth of the contribution of biofuels (3.7 billion KWh annually). In 2015, 2.1 million tonnes of biodiesel, 1.2 million tonnes of bioethanol, 50 million cubic metres of biomethane as well as 2,000 tonnes of plant oil were used as biofuels.
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Managing board of UFOP pleads for a uniform rapeseed invoicing system

In answer to the on-going discussions, the Board of the Union for the Promotion of Oil and Protein Plants e.V. (UFOP) deems it necessary to state its position on the basis for rapeseed payment terms.
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French and German oilseed farmers urge for maintenance of mandatory first generation biofuels objectives in the renewable energy directive after 2020

At the invitation of the Union for the promotion of oil and protein plants (UFOP), representatives of the French federation of the producers of oilseeds and proteins crops (FOP) under the leadership of its Vice chairman, Arnaud Rousseau and representatives of the UFOP under the leadership of chairman Wolfgang Vogel spoke on January 25, 2017 in Berlin about the crop situation and sectorial issues.
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Evaluation and Progress Report 2015

On 5 June 2009, Directive 2009/28/EG of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 April 2009 on the promotion of the use of electricity from renewable sources (Renewable Energies Directive) was published in the Official Journal of the European Union. It is part of the EU climate and energy package adopted by the Council on 6 April 2009. This package consists of binding legislation to ensure that the EU achieve its climate and energy goals by 2020...
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Vegetable oil prices recovered considerably

The vegetable oil price index of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) surged by more than 4 per cent in December 2016, reaching a three-year high. Nevertheless, the index is far below its January 2011 record.
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Rapeseed: A Versatile Crop

It seems as if more and more rapeseed is cultivated, but impressions are deceptive. The acreage used for the cultivation of rapeseed for years has not went beyond 1.3 to 1.5 million hectares. Rapeseed is especially known for its oil which makes up to about 42 percent of the seeds. But it is also made of high-value protein which is won during the pressing of the seeds. The so-called rape cake or rapeseed meal is a demanded GMO-free demestic protein feed.
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Good Reasons For Biofuels

Human-caused climate change is a natural disaster which measured by geological standards is already occurring at a rapid pace and is already visible and noticeable. Agriculture is immediately affected by these changes. It is also part of the solution and contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. The Climate Action Plan 2020 and Climate Plan 2050 show the challenges of adapting to the decarbonisation of road transport.
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Price advantage of rapeseed meal unchanged

Due to the stability seen in the past weeks' rapeseed meal prices, rapeseed meal for use in compound feeds continued to have a price edge over soybean meal. The cost of GMO-free soybean meal was still clearly higher despite the current downward price trend.
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Biofuels study “Implications of political decisions on biofuels and raw materials markets”

Climate change, related environmental disasters and the results of the climate negotiations in Paris have increased concern, public awareness and the pressure to act with regard to climate protection measures. Renewable energies play a key role in this. Almost without exception, renewable energies markets today are characterised by complex regulatory and funding policy framework conditions.
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Yellow fields instead of burning forests

UFOP calls for an end to the quota assessment of biofuels made from palm oil in the EU. There must be an end in the EU that biofuels made from palm oil are accounted for quota commitments! The Union for the Promotion of Oil and Protein Plants (UFOP) is calling for this at the beginning of the discussion on the EU Commission’s proposals to reform the biofuel policy.
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INVITATION: Fuels of the Future 2017 – International Conference on Renewable Mobility

With the ratification of the Paris agreement on climate change, the signatory states will have to publish binding action plans for decarbonization, particularly, in the transport sector by 2020. At a global level, the decarbonization of transport is one of the most effective ways for realizing the climate protection targets. Next to higher engine efficiencies and the simultaneous hybridization of engine technologies, biofuels will have to play an important role in terms of a bridging function.
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EU biofuels policy – UFOP in favour of maintaining 7% cap

“The 7% cap for biofuels made from cultivated biomass, first established in 2015, must be maintained beyond 2020.” With this position, the Union for the Promotion of Oil and Protein Plants (UFOP) rejects the proposal made today by the EU Commission to reform the biofuels policy for the period between 2020 and 2030.
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European farmers stress the essential role of biodiesel for agriculture and transport decarbonisation post-2020

The European Oilseed Alliance, the European Biodiesel Board and the Vegetable Oil and Protein meal Industry held yesterday a dinner-debate in the European Parliament during which panellists from all backgrounds discussed the role of sustainable biodiesel in the low-carbon economy post-2020.
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Biodiesel 2015/2016 Report on the Current Situation and Prospects – Abstract from the UFOP Annual Report

The extract gives an overview about the development of the Biodiesel production and sales in Germany and describes the political discussion and decisions affecting Biofuels in Germany.
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Strong increase in rapeseed imports in 2015/16

The German Federal Statistical Office reports significant increases in rapeseed imports in 2015/16, which reached a record peak at 5.4 million tonnes. In the 2015/16 marketing year, the oil mill industry imported 5.4 million tonnes of rapeseed. This was up just over 14 per cent from a year earlier and the highest quantity ever.
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Special role of agriculture legally grounded as a producer of food and raw material - bioeconomy is an important part of the solution.
The Union for the Promotion of Oil and Protein Plants (UFOP) notes that Germany, as one of the leading industrial nations within the community of states, is making a pioneering move with the decision of the German Bundestag to ratify the Paris climate protection agreement.
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IEA Bioenergy Countries Report

The IEA Bioenergy Countries Report was prepared from IEA statistical data, information from IRENA, and IEA Bioenergy Tasks’ country reports, combined with data provided by the IEA Bioenergy Executive Committee. All individual country reports were reviewed by the national delegates to the IEA Bioenergy Executive Committee, who have approved the content.
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French and German oilseed farmers urge for turnaround in plant protection policy

At the invitation of Fédération française des producteurs d'oléagineux et de protéagineux (FOP), representatives of FOP under the leadership of its Vice chairman, Arnaud Rousseau and representatives of the Union zur Förderung von Oel- und Proteinpflanzen (UFOP) under the leadership of chairman Wolfgang Vogel spoke on September 7th in Paris about the harvest situation and sectorial issues.
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In the report published last week, The European Court of Auditors observed considerable room for improvement in the monitoring of the voluntary certification systems approved by the EU Commission. In its evaluation, the Court criticises the fact that the EU Commission only approves the certification systems on the basis of a “file inspection”, but does not monitor them in terms of their actual function. Since the EU Commission has also approved the systems without checking whether they include complaints procedures, there is also no formal procedure for investigating any infringements.
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Certifying biofuels: weaknesses in recognition and supervision of the system, say EU Auditors

Weaknesses in the system of certifying sustainable biofuels could undermine the basis of the EU’s 2020 targets for renewable energy in transport, according to a new report from the European Court of Auditors.
Under the Renewable Energy Directive, EU Member States can only use biofuels certified as sustainable to reach their 2020 target of sourcing ten per cent of the energy in transport from renewable sources. Most biofuels placed on the EU market are certified through voluntary schemes recognised by the European Commission. But the auditors concluded that the schemes suffer from weaknesses in the Commission’s recognition procedure and in its supervision.
“The 2020 targets for sustainable
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14th international conference “Fuels of the Future 2017”

The 14th International Conference on Renewable Mobility “Fuels of the Future 2017” will be held on 23-24 January 2017, again in Berlin. The conference is organised by...
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UFOP Chairman Vogel: continue promoting biofuels after 2020 on the basis of an EU-wide obligation to reduce greenhouse gases

In a letter to the members of the responsible committees of the European Parliament, the Chairman of the Union for the Promotion of Oil and Protein Plants e.V. (UFOP), Wolfgang Vogel, argues the case for continuing to promote biofuels after 2020, including the biofuels that have already been introduced onto the market.
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Heavy rains damage French sunflower crops

The sunflower area in France, the EU's fourth biggest producer of sunflowers, will likely be significantly smaller than expected. Consequently, the EU Commission could reduce its previously positive area forecast to project negative figures for 2016.
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Study: Integrated Fuels and Vehicles Roadmap to 2030+

In October 2014, the European Heads of States communiqué agreed on the 2030 Climate and Energy Policy Framework. This framework set binding targets for the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and non-binding targets for renewable energy consumption and improvements in energy efficiency. The overall GHG emissions reduction target of -40% (-43% for ETS sector and -30% for non ETS sector) in 2030 below 2005 levels was in line with both the ambition to reduce GHG emissions in the European Union (EU) by 80-95% below 1990 levels by 2050 and the vision of the EU White Paper on Transport.
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Evaluation and Progress Report 2014

The Federal Office of Agriculture and Food (BLE) is the competent authority for the control of the biofuel chain concerning the
transposition of the legal requirements of the RED (2009/28/EC) in Germany. Annualy the BLE has to report about the progress
of the implementation. Especially the economic operators are obliged to deliver distinct data of the biofuels which are credited
against the quota commitments.
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69 percent of Germans rate biofuels as positive

According to a recent Infratest survey, more than two thirds of all Germans are in fa-vour of biofuels. Even many sceptics would refuel using biofuels if they were guaran-teed sustainability.
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Obligation to reduce greenhouse gases reduces biodiesel sales

The Union for the Promotion of Oil and Protein Plants (UFOP) sees its expectations regarding the obligation to reduce greenhouse gases, which was introduced in Germany on 1 January 2015, confirmed though the sales trend for biodiesel.
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Biofuels are back on the EU agenda

Biofuels are returning to the political agenda in Europe as EU policymakers start to shape a strategy for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from transport after 2020. Photo: Phil&Pam Gradwell
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Introducing a greenhouse gas reduction obligation for fuels throughout Europe and achieving continuous increases of the quota in Germany until 2020

During the international conference “Fuels of the Future”, the German biofuel industry promotes the introduction of a European-wide GHG reduction obligation for fuels and calls for enhanced climate protection on the basis of continuous increases of the existing GHG reduction quota in Germany until 2020
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Biodiesel 2014/2015 Report on the Current Situation and Prospects – Abstract from the UFOP Annual Report

The extract gives an overview of the development of Biodiesel production and sales in Germany and describes the political discussion and decisions affecting Biofuels in Germany (e.g. Green-House-Gas Reduction Commitment, Climate Action Plan 2020 and 2050) and within the European Union (e.g. the "iLUC-directive and consequeneces").
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With 1.4 million tons, certified rapeseed oil continues to be the most important raw material source for the share of biodiesel in diesel fuel (B7). This is verified by the evaluation and progress report for the quota year 2014 published by the German Federal Office for Agriculture and Food in December 2015.
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World climate agreement concluded – sustainable biofuels are already making a significant contribution

Sustainable biofuels are a fuel alternative that can be mobilised quickly for the reduction of greenhouse gases in the transport sector.
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New DIN fuel standard makes it possible to use 20 or 30 per cent biodiesel in vehicle fleets

At the beginning of December 2015, the German Institute for Standardisation, DIN, published the standard for using biodiesel as an admixture component in percentages of up to 20 (B20) or 30 per cent by volume (B30).
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UFOP calls for the obligation of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in all EU Member States

The Union for the Promotion of Oil and Protein Plants e.V. (UFOP) suggests that the obligation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which has been in force in Germany since 1 January, be introduced in all EU member states.
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Indonesia continues to burn the image of sustainably certified biodiesel

In light of Indonesia's worst forest fires in years, the Union for the Promotion of Oil and Protein Plants e. V. (UFOP) criticises the continued inaction of the Indonesian government and the European Union.
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Focus Climate Protection in Transport

Within the framework of climate change policy, special attention is paid to road transport. Given the uptrend in registration figures for passenger cars and commercial vehicles, especially heavy goods vehicle traffic has to be seen as a cause for the increase in GHG emissions.
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Prospects of biodiesel under increasing exhaust emissions regulations

There is especially currently in Germany a lot of public interest regarding the compliance with the legally binding limits for exhaust emissions. Biofuels have to flfil these emission requirements as well, without any ifs and buts.
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International conference “Fuels of the Future 2016” – Programme is now online

The programme of the 13th International Conference “Fuels of the Future” is now available for you at www.fuels-of-the-future.com. The specialist conference will be held from 18 - 19 January 2016 at CityCube Berlin, the new multifunctional congress hall directly on Berlin’s trade fair grounds.
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UFOP welcomes the extension to the anti-dumping measures aimed at US biodiesel imports

The EU Commission has extended the anti-dumping and anti-subsidising measures first imposed against US biodiesel imports in July 2009 by a further five years.
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Agricultural Council approves iLUC Directive

On Monday last week the Agriculture Council approved the directive already adopted by the European Parliament on 28th April 2015 to amend the Renewable Energy and Fuel Quality Directive.
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UFOP to host the 2019 International Rapeseed Congress in Berlin

The Union for the Promotion of Oil and Protein Plants e.V. (UFOP) will be the host for the next International Rapeseed Congress in 2019 in Berlin. The chairman of the International Consultative Group of Research on Rapeseed (GCIRC) has confirmed UFOP's application to host the 15th International Rapeseed Congress.
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Professor Wolfgang Friedt honoured with Eminent Scientist Award

On the occasion of the 14th International Rapeseed Congress in Saskatoon, Canada, Professor Wolfgang Friedt of Gießen University was awarded the Eminent Scientist Award for his lifework in rapeseed breeding research.
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Biofuel advantage – on average 60 percent better than fossil fuels

UFOP sees expectations confirmed: The obligation to reduce greenhouse gases is driving competition. With an average greenhouse gas reduction of 60 percent, the competition for the highest greenhouse gas efficiency is starting. This was confirmed in the first quarterly report by the Federal Office for Food and Agriculture (BLE).
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The chairman of the Union for the Promotion of Oil and Protein Plants e.V. (UFOP), Wolfgang Vogel, welcomes the reform of the EU biofuel policy passed with an overwhelming majority by the European Parliament.
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Fuels of the Future 2016 – Invitation for sponsors and call for papers

The 13th Conference Fuels of the Future will take place on the 18th and 19th January 2016 in Berlin. Please find here the invitation for sponsors and the call for papers.
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Online Publications Biodiesel & Co.

This flyer offers an overview over publications on subjects such as biofuel policy, GHG balances and biodiesel, which are available for free download on UFOP's website.
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Press Photos on Rapeseed Flowering 2015

Please find this year's press photos on the rapeseed flowering available for free download here.
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2015 Rapeseed Flowering

At the moment, there are 1.3 million hectares of rapeseed flowering across Germany in all their yellow splendour. Over the past 25 years, it has established itself as the most important native oil and protein producing crop for feeding both humans and animals as well as its very special role as a raw material for the production of biofuels.
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Biodiesel in modern EU stage IV diesel engines for agriculture and forestry

A future in which fields are still tilled using biodiesel from rapeseed oil that is certified as sustainable – that is the objective of the project funded by the Federal Ministry for Food and Agriculture through the Agency for Renewable Resources and by the UFOP now being started at the University of Rostock.
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With the introduction of the obligation to reduce greenhouse gases on 1st January 2015, companies in the mineral oil sector which are obligated to provide evidence of this will request the most cost-efficient and, in particular, greenhouse gas-efficient biofuels.
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Advanced biofuels are a long time coming

The development of innovations and the target dates set by politicians for the introduction of so-called advanced biofuels onto the market do not match up.
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Biodiesel 2013/2014 Report on the Current Situation and Prospects – Abstract from the UFOP Annual Report

Extracts from the UFOP report 2013/2014. The extracs gives an overview about the development of Biodiesel production and sales in Germany and describes the political discussion and decisions affecting Biofuels.
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The biodiesel chain calls on European legislators to recognise the direct advantages of biodiesel for the EU’s climate and energy policies, for its agricultural sector and the European economy

Brussels, 21th January 2015. On occasion of the parliamentary event “Biodiesel: Direct Advantages for Europe”, organized by the biodiesel supply chain: European Biodiesel Board, EBB; European Oilseed Alliance, EOA; European vegetable oil and protein meal industry, FEDIOL, prominent researchers have underlined the benefits of biodiesel as well as their reservations regarding the readiness of the iLUC science for EU. Aim of this event that took place immediately after the meeting of the committee "Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI), was a first discussion on the ILUC 2nd reading report with 20 members of the European Parliament.
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Biodiesel Turnover in 2014 Slightly Above Previous Year’s Level

UFOP estimates overall revenue from biodiesel in Germany to amount to approximately 2.3 million tonnes in 2014. The total turnover therefore stands at approx. 100,000 tonnes above that of the previous year, but the UFOP does not expect that the 2011 and 2012 levels will be reached.
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Rapeseed – Opportunity or risk for the future!?

From the start until the middle of May, the yellow blossoms of rapeseed stamp the agricultural landscape unmistakably across many regions of Germany. The crop was actually sown before winter, at the end of August, and the harvest will begin in July. The vegetation cycle comes to a close in 11 months.
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12th international conference “Fuels of the Future 2015”

The 12th international conference “Fuels of the Future 2015”, which will be held at Berlin’s new CityCube from 19-20 January 2015, will dedicate both conference days to a broad range of topics along the biofuel value chain.
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Video: The truth about European biofuels

In Europe, transport accounts for 25% of greenhouse gas emissions and nearly 97% of all energy used in transport comes from fossil fuels. This is unsustainable. Europe needs a more sustainable energy future. In 2009, the EU passed the Renewable Energy Directive. Europe’s goal was ambitious and sensible: 10% renewable energy in transport by 2020.
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The Union for the Promotion of Oil and Protein Plants (UFOP) demands the continuation of a sustainable European biofuel policy after 2020. The union criticizes that, in its draft for a national climate conservation action program 2020, the Federal Department of the Environment doesn't take bioenergy or biofuels into account.
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ECOFYS Study – "Greenhouse gas impact of marginal fuels"

Biofuel emission savings „80% better than thought“: Production of biofuels from crops such as rapeseed bring savings of GHG emissions that are 80% higher than levels calculated by the EU’s executive since it underestimates emissions from fossil fuels that are first of all replaced by biofuels, e.g. from oil sands. The new study of the institute Ecofys, Netherlands, comissioned by the European Oilseed Alliance, EOA, (UFOP is a member of this alliance), the European Biodiesel Board (EBB) and the European Vegetable Oil&Protein Meals Industry (Fediol), confirms that the existing fossil fossil comparator of 83,8 gCO2/MJ underestimates the existing emissins of fuels from so called „marginal oils“. Ecofys proposes a conpararotot of 115 gCO2/MJ.
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EU leaders are halting further decarbonisation of the transport sector

The UFOP fears the phasing out of the decarbonisation strategy in the transport sector (the replacement of fossil fuels with biofuels), which has been followed until now, should there be no update to the initial targets for the reduction of green house gas emissions in the transport sector, which are binding for all member states.
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The Union for the Promotion of Oil and Protein Plants (UFOP) is following the current reporting regarding the situation on the most important agrarian raw materials markets with great concern.
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UFOP position: The perspective of 2nd generation biofuels in the context of the amendment of the RED/FQD

Since its founding in 1990, UFOP (Union zur Förderung von Oel- und Proteinpflanzen e.V.) has been pursuing the target of making biodiesel made from rape into a more effective alternative in terms of volume – and hence also in terms of cultivated acreage. Within the framework of the first stage of reformations to the Common Agricultural Policy, farmers in the European Union (EU 15) had to leave an average of 10 per cent of their arable land unused.
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Germany is going ahead: The introduction of greenhouse gas quotas 2015 – new regulation requirements and consequences for the biofuel industry

Germany, observed by other member states, will change the commitment framework from an energy based quota (currently 6.25 %) to a stepwise increasing greenhouse gas reduction commitment. In October this year the German parliament (Bundestag) decided – 2015: 3,5%; 2017: 4,0%; from 2020: 6,0%. These increasing GHG-reduction commitments have to be fulfilled by the petrol companies (owner of tax warehouses). Not only the big companies of the petrol industry also the small traders, are concerned.
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Workshop "Towards the Future of Biodiesel” in Graz

The Workshop "Towards the Future of Biodiesel” is organized by the Institute of Chemistry of the University of Graz and takes place in Hotel Weitzer in the city center of Graz at September 18th and 19th, 2014.
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Scania: New 450 hp engine with SCR only

Scania has now further broadened its already comprehensive range of Euro 6-certified truck engines. Anyone who needs 450 hp, not least European customers with tractor-trailers, can now choose between two versions of Scania’s well known 13-litre engines at that power level.
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Fuels of the Future 2015 – Invitation for sponsors and call for papers

The 12th Conference Fuels of the Future will take place on the 19th and 20th January 2015 in Berlin. Please find here the invitation for sponsors and the call for papers.
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In a letter to Barbara Hendricks, German Federal Minister for the Environment, the Chairman of UFOP, Wolfgang Vogel, has demanded that the obligation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) planned for 2017 be brought forward to 1 January 2015 at the level of 4.5%.
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By optimising the dosing quantity of urea in the exhaust aftertreatment (AdBlue), a further reduction of nitrogen oxides at higher levels of biodiesel in diesel fuel is possible.
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EU climate protection and resource conservation policies not to include biofuels in future?!

The UFOP sees a significant need for research and development in the case of biofuels of the second and third generation. As a result, both these and biofuels from waste oils and animal fats would be unable to fill the supply gap resulting from 2020 onwards, if the subsidising of conventional biofuels is to be phased out, as proposed by the EU Commission.
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Export record for biodiesel

At just under 1.6 million tonnes, the German biodiesel industry notched up a new export record in 2013. This is the result of an appraisal by the Agricultural Market Information Company (AMI) based on data from the Federal Statistical Office.
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agri benchmark – Understanding agriculture globally

agri benchmark is an international, non-profit-oriented network in which agricultural economists, consultants, sector specialists and producers from agriculture and horticulture can interact and collaborate. Since its foundation in 2007, the UFOP has been supporting this globally interlinked work with numerous partners.
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Biodiesel sales witness sharp decline in 2013

The sale of biodiesel declined drastically by 300,000 tonnes in 2013 according to the German Federal Office of Economics and Export Control (BAFA). During the period 2009 to 2012, biodiesel sales were 2.5 million tonnes on average, this figure only amounting to 2.2 million tonnes in 2013.
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”indirect Land Use Change” (iLUC) – A critical inventory for objective political decision-making

“Proposal rejected - The EU Commission has failed in the first round with its biofuel legislation on ”indirect Land Use Change”. With this statement Prof. Dr. Uwe Lahl, Technical University of Darmstadt, introduces in his article.
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Without bioenergy, we would actually have less to eat …

The processing of rapeseeds generates 40 % rapeseed oil, which is used as a raw material for manufacturing biodiesel. The largest proportion (60 %) is rapeseed meal, which is used as valuable protein-rich animal feed.
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Study: Determinants for the level and volatility of agricultural commodity prices on international markets

With the world-wide explosion in prices for agricultural commodities and basic foodstuffs in the period 2007 to 2008 and the subsequent collapse in 2009 caused by the recession, an intensive discussion has begun on the possible negative consequences of high and volatile prices for world food security. Especially in countries that import
foodstuffs, violent protests and revolts have erupted in this respect against the drastic
inflation of food prices affecting, above all, the urban population.
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At 89 %, rapeseed oil is, as expected, the most important raw material of the biodiesel component in diesel fuel, followed by palm kernel oil at 6 percent and palm and soya oil at 4 and 1 percent, respectively. This is the result of the renewed investigation of the raw material composition of diesel fuel at public filling stations commissioned by the UFOP.
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The Deutsche Biomasseforschungszentrum (DBFZ) in Leipzig comes to the conclusion in its report "Determinants for the re-evaluation of residual and waste materials on the GHG balance of first generation biofuels" that a re-evaluation and correction is called for in regard to the methodology and values specified in the biofuel directives for calculation of the GHG balance for biofuels from residual and waste materials.
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The German Biomass Research Center (DBFZ) has studied the effect of different transport expenditures involved in the collection of animal fats and vegetable waste oils on the greenhouse gas balance of biofuels produced from these. The DBFZ comes to the conclusion that the standard values specified in Renewable Energies Directive (2009/28/EC) have to be revised.
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iLUC and sustainability certification – consequences for all areas of use

Apart from the production of biofuels, the use of renewable raw materials is also increasing in other areas, such as their use as a substance. The aim is to reduce the burden on the environment, e. g. by manufacturing vegetable oil-based engine and hydraulic oils or phosphate-free detergents with the help of surfactants based on fatty alcohols. In creating a promotional backdrop for the use of renewable raw materials, demands on sustainability must therefore also be included.
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Criticism of biofuels – checking the facts

Critics of biofuels – from mineral oil companies to environmental groups – express a wide variety of concerns with regard to ecology, ethics and economics. There is no doubt that biofuels are not a panacea for climate protection and energy transition in the transport sector. However, climate-friendly mobility structures of the future are unrealistic without biofuels. On closer inspection, the accusations made against these energy sources often turn out to be of a generalising nature. In order to avoid shortcircuited arguments, several claims made by critics are to
be analysed here.
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11th International Conference "Fuels of the Future 2014"

The German BioEnergy Association cordially invite all interested persons for the 11th International Conference on Biofuels “Fuels of the Future 2014”, which will be held during 20 - 21 January 2014 in Berlin. The thematic panels have been arranged now.
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UFOP special publication "Biodiesel & Co" available

UFOP (Union zur Förderung von Oel- und Proteinpflanzen) has republished the sections of its 2012/2013 annual report that dealt with biodiesel and biofuels as a separate publication entitled "Biodiesel & Co".
This special publication includes the sections on the market situation and outlook, the basic legal situation at national and international level, and a substantial statistical annex on biodiesel production and consumption, and on capacity development.
The publication also includes the report on the analysis of the raw material composition of biodiesel, about the (B7) blend, which was made available at public petrol stations in the summer of 2013.
The publication is available for download free of charge here.
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UFOP-funded project for the approval of biodiesel as a pure fuel for DEUTZ Agripower engines

The DEUTZ Agripower engines of the series TCD 7.8 L6, TCD
6.1 L6 and TCD 4.1 L4 can be approved for operation with biodiesel as a pure
fuel. This is the result of the project successfully completed by DEUTZ AG. In
the course of this project, the engines were subjected to extensive field tests in
practice, with a conclusive result for DEUTZ common rail injection systems and
exhaust gas aftertreatment systems.
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Final Report: Lowering the boiling curve of biodiesel by metathesis

In general, pure biodiesel is not applicable in modern diesel engines with particulate filters, as the particulate filter regeneration process would lead to a dilution of engine lubricant by the biofuel. Also a larger share of biogenic components in the fuel than the 7% that are permissible according to the diesel fuel standard are regarded as critical by vehicle manufacturers.
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With 53 percent raw material content, rapeseed oil remains the most important raw material source for the production of biodiesel in Germany, followed by palm oil with 25 percent, coconut and soya oil with 11 percent respectively. This is the result of the study presented by the UFOP.
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Environmental Committee rules in favour of Decline in European Biofuel Production

The compromise reached today in the Environmental Committee of the European Parliament severely jeopardises the prospects of German and European biodiesel production in the view of the UFOP.
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Indonesia is burning the image of sustainable certified biodiesel

Notwithstanding the international discussion concerning indirect land use changes meanwhile also in conjunction with the biofuel policies of the European Union, the Indonesian government remains inactive in the face of the slash-and-burn threats currently destroying the rainforest.
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In light of an extremely tense biodiesel market in the European Union due to margin pressure and insolvency, UFOP welcomes the decision of the EU Commission to impose anti-dumping duties on biodiesel imports from Argentina and Indonesia.
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Indirect Land Use Change (iLUC ) within Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) – scientific robustness and consistency with international standards

In his recent study, comparing scientific robustness of iLUC models and their consistency with international GHG emission calculation standards, Prof. Finkbeiner, Chair of Sustainable Engineering and Vice-Director of Environmental Technology at Technical University of Berlin, provides a broad overview of loopholes and weaknesses that put reliance on estimated iLUC factors’ use for policy-making into question.
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Smudo with RapsPower at the Potsdamer Platz and Nürburgring

The famous musician and race car driver presented both the team and technology of his Bioconcept-Car in Berlin prior to the ADAC 24-hour race
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OWI annual report 2012

The annual report 2012 of the German Öl-Wärme-Institut (OWI) offers a detailed overview of the current state of research in the area of oil heating and the usage of FAME as a blend component. Here you can download the full report.
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The Deutsche Biomasseforschungszentrum (German Research Centre for Biomass – DBFZ) was commissioned by the Union zur Förderung von Oel- und Proteinpflanzen e. V. (UFOP) to explain the proposals by the EU Commission regarding the amendment of the Renewable Energies Directive and the Fuel Quality Directive in a technical paper, with commentary on the most important key points.
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The UFOP points out that, contrary to biodiesel made from rapeseed, biodiesel made from soya and palm oil does not fullfill this greenhouse gas reduction requirement according to the standard values of the Renewable Energy Directive.
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Rapeseed – Opportunity or risk for the future!?

From the beginning to the end of May, the blooming rapeseed forms the German landscape. It is the element which forms the cultural landscape in many regions. A new harvest grows, which started with the sowing at the end of August in the previous year. The harvest begins in July so that the cultivation cycle ends after 11 months.
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Double counting has major effect on biodiesel sales

UFOP demands cap for biodiesel from waste oil. The sale of biodiesel fell again by 2.8 percent to a total of
2.34 million tonnes in 2012. For the Union zur Förderung von Oel- und
Proteinpflanzen e. V. (UFOP), the German oilseed grower organisation, this reveals a
clear continuation of a worryingly negative trend.
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Biodiesel 2011/2012 Report on the Current Situation and Prospects – Abstract from the UFOP Annual Report

Extracts from the UFOP report 2011/2012. The extracs gives an overview about the development of Biodiesel production and sales in Germany and describes the political discussion and decisions affecting Biofuels.
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Videos: Sustainability of biofuels

Biofuels play an important role in the energy concept of the German government. In order to guarantee the sustainability of biofuels rules were enacted. The videos explain the principles of the German "Biofuel Sustainability Ordinance".
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UFOP "Politics News": Indirect Land Use Change

The introduction of the iLUC factors proposed by the EU Commission must be prevented. Its introduction would have fatal consequences – not just for the German and European biofuels industry!
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10th Conference on Biofuels “Fuels of the Future”

The participants of the 10th Conference on Biofuels “Fuels of the Future” will meet at Berlin’s International Congress Centre on 21 and 22 January 2013. Germany’s next federal election will be held in September 2013 and lead to new government constellations with a different political orientation.
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Plate – Tank: Without bioenergy, we wouldn't have more, but less on our plate

There is one central argument in the debate on bioenergy vs. world food which many people are not aware of: Only a small part of the rape plant is actually used for the energy sector in the production of biodiesel: vegetable oil (approx. 40 %). The larger part constitutes the oil meal extracted (approx. 60 %), which is used as feed containing protein in animal nutrition for the production of milk, cheese, eggs and meat.
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Higher biodiesel prices due to switch of diesel classes

According to the Agricultural Market Information Company (AMI), producers of biodiesel offer fuel suitable for autumn temperatures since beginning October 2012. The feedstock for biodiesel is governed by the Cloud Filter Plugging Point (CFPP value).
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EU must not sabotage the Energy Revolution – Bioenergy and Biofuels are needed!

Joint Explanation of Farming and Bioenergy Production: The plans put forward by the European Commission regarding a change to the Renewable Energies Directive and the Biofuels Directive are an unashamed U-turn. The planned effective halt in the use of biofuels and bioenergy would obstruct the conversion to a supply structure involving renewable energies.
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European Commission Raises Queries over the Reliability of Biofuel Policy

The Union for the Promotion of Oil and Protein Plants e.V. (UFOP) considers the proposals announced by the EC’s General Directorate (GD) for Climate Policy to be a complete renunciation of a reliable, future-oriented climate and biofuel policy.
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UFOP welcomes the initiation of anti-dumping proceedings against Argentina and Indonesia

In response to a petition from the European Biodiesel Board (EBB), the Commission’s responsible Advisory Committee made a positive decision in the evidentiary procedure for the opening of anti-dumping proceedings against biodiesel imports from Argentina and Indonesia. UFOP e.V. greatly welcomes this decision.
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UFOP welcomes the BLE's initiative for the intensification of European cooperation

The BLE has announced via a bulletin various errors and false interpretations in the utilization of proof of sustainability for bio fuels. In a newsletter to all nationally recognized certification systems and certification offices in mid-August, among other things, the authority indicated that shiploads of non-European, non-sustainable biodiesel landing at the harbour of Rotterdam repeatedly received the proof of sustainability of sustaining biodiesel produced of European raw material without the non-European, non-sustainable shipload having been unloaded.
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UFOP questions the scientific quality of the greenhouse gas study from the University of Jena on rapeseed biodiesel

Experts from the Union zur Förderung von Oel- und Proteinpflanzen e.V. (UFOP) question the scientific quality of the study "Uncertainties about the GHG Emissions Saving of Rapeseed Biodiesel" published as part of the "Jena Economic Research Papers" series.
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International Oilseed Producer Dialogue (IOPD) 2012

From July 1-3, 2012 the 15th International Oilseed Producer Dialogue (IOPD) took place in London, United Kingdom. The undersigned participants adopted the following declaration. Download the Final Resolution here.

Biodiesel is a particularly attractive fuel for agricultural machinery. However, the introduction of new emission standards has made the use of exhaust gas treatment systems in agricultural vehicles essential. The combination of biodiesel and exhaust gas treatment causes problems, because the biodiesel contains traces of inorganic elements. These turn into ash during the combustion process in the engine, which can result in permanent damage to the components of the exhaust gas treatment system.
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German and European oilseed growers are relieved that the debate centred around appropriate consideration of indirect land use changes (iLUC) has not yet come to a conclusion even after statement in the committee of the Commission on Monday last week. The responsible Directorates General “Climate Protection” and “Energy” have so far not been able to agree on a proposal.
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UFOP Publishes Report on International Biodiesel Markets

On behalf of the Union zur Förderung von Oel- und Proteinpflanzen e. V. (UFOP), Ecofys Gerrmany GmbH has compiled a report on the market development for biodiesel in the German and international biodiesel markets. The study comes to the conclusion that the trend towards internationalisation is set to continue with an almost exponential growth in biodiesel production and sales.
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UFOP Opposes Introduction of iLUC Factors for Biofuels

The Union zur Förderung von Oel- und Proteinpflanzen e.V. (UFOP) opposes the adoption of iLUC factors specific for biofuels. The introduction of excessive malus points for greenhouse gas production starting in 2017 would put an end to the European Biodiesel industry. Therefore, based on the average Biodiesel sales volume of the years 2008 to 2010, UFOP demands investment protection for all existing Biodiesel production plants, UFOP’s vice chairman, Dietmar Brauer, pointed out when visiting the Agritechnica in Hannover.
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Biodiesel puts less of a burden on systems for the after-treatment of exhaust gases than previously thought

When it comes to approving exhaust aftertreatment systems, the content of trace elements in fuels plays an important role. All metals that are emitted during engine combustion can increase the exhaust gas backpressure in the aftertreatment system to impermissible values due to the formation of ash. In addition, metal coatings on exhaust aftertreatment systems and catalytic converters are contaminated or deactivated by phosphorous and alkali elements.
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Specific adsorbents for clean biodiesel

Biodiesel contains mostly still wax-like plant components which impair the quality of the fuel. These can crystallise during storage and are thought to block the fuel filter. Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB in Stuttgart has developed specific nano-particles which bind these unwanted accompanying substances.
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Evaluation report concerning the greenhouse gas balance of biodiesel from Canadian rapeseed

The Deutsche BiomasseForschungsZentrum gGmbH (DBFZ) has published a brief study of the greenhouse gas balance of biodiesel from Canadian rapeseed in which it evaluated the suitability of the result as new default value for greenhouse gas for biodiesel based on rapeseed from North America within the framework of the EU Directive 2009/28/EC concerning renewable energies. The DBFZ concludes that the study is not suitable for defining a new default for Canola biodiesel. The aim of the short study was to assess whether the results of the study were suitable for a direct comparison with the default value of biodiesel from the EU Directive as well as the introduction of a new default value for biodiesel produced from Canadian rapeseed.
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Higher blending quotas for biofuels in the EU

Full utilization of the available biodiesel production capacity is not in sight.
According to the “Kingsman” industry information service, some member states have increased their national blending quotas in 2011 in comparison with 2010 on the basis of energy content:
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An Analysis of iLUC and Biofuels

Regional quantification of climate-relevant land use change and options for combating it.
The reason for this study is the EU Commission’s report on the impact of the EU biofuels policy which must be submitted by the end of 2010. To fight climate change, the EU has set its sights on further expanding the use of biomass in its policies – not just for the transport sector. In terms of the effects of EU biofuel policy, the question arises as to whether indirect land use change associated with biofuels should be combated through regulation and, if so, how. Direct land use change brought about by biofuels has already been addressed in the Renewable Energies Directive (2009/28).
This study concludes that land use change (LUC) – or converting natural forest, grazing land or fallow land to cropland – continues to be a major problem in some regions of the world, not only for climate protection. The effects of land use change can be direct (dLUC) or indirect (iLUC). If the original use of the land was carbon-rich in the vegetation or in the soil (for example, forest) and the subsequent use is carbon-poor (pastures or crops), LUC increases the amount of carbon dioxide released and thus adversely affects the climate.
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From the field into the tank and back again

According to legislation in effect since the beginning of 2011, biofuels can only be sold in the German market if it can be demonstrated that the energy plants from which the biofuel is produced were grown in line with the principles of sustainability. The “Biofuels Sustainability Ordinance” translates the EU directive into national law in Germany. The great deal of documentation and certification is to ensure that the biomass for the production of biofuel is not obtained, e.g., from slash-and-burn cultivation in rain forests.
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On the occasion of the presentation of the fleet project of Coburg College involving the use of hydrogenated vegetable oil as alternative fuel, the Union zur Förderung von Oel- und Proteinpflanzen (UFOP) called upon the German government to go ahead with launching the B30 fuel for commercial vehicles and make the biogenic portion eligible for tax concession.
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On the request of the Union zur Förderung von Öl- und Proteinpflanzen (Union for the Promotion of Oilseeds and Protein Plants - UFOP), the Deutsche Biomasse Forschungszentrum (German Research Centre for Biomass - DBFZ) examined several approaches to improving the Green-House-Gas (GHG) saving balance of biodiesel produced from rape seed. The work was based on the so called default values for biodiesel from rape seed in Annex V of the EU Directive on the Promotion of the Use of Energy from Renewable Sources (2009/28/EC). According to this default value, the GHG emission saving of biodiesel amounts to approx. 38 % in comparison with fossil fuels.
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Biomethanol is a poor contributor to improving the GHG balance of biodiesel

Depending on the production method and the inputs, the substitution of natural gas-based methanol by biomethanol can save only approximately 2% to 3% of the total emissions from biodiesel production. However, as the price of methanol is higher, this GHG saving is obtained at the expense of 6% to 7% higher costs of biodiesel production. This is the outcome of a brief study undertaken by Deutsches BiomasseForschungsZentrum (DBFZ) for Union zur Förderung von Oel- und Proteinpflanzen (UFOP).
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Biodiesel 2009/2010 Report on the Current Situation and Prospects – Abstract from the UFOP Annual Report

Extracts from the UFOP report 2099/2010. The extracs gives an overview about the development of Biodiesel production and sales in Germany and describes the political discussion and decisions affecting Biofuels.
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US Study on Greenhouse Gas Balance of Soy Based Diesel with Inconsistencies

Berlin, August 3, 2010. A new US study on the greenhouse gas (GHG) balance of soy-based diesel has been evaluated by Deutsches BiomasseForschungsZentrum (DBFZ). The study published by the United Soybean Board (USB) concludes that biodiesel produced from soy in the United States achieves a greenhouse gas reduction of 52 % based on defaults. The USB study is analyzed for conformity with European Directive 2009/28/EC both for the methodology applied and the database on which it relies. As a result, the DBFZ finds that even if the method by which the GHG balance is calculated complies with the requirements of the European Directive, the underlying data involves some uncertainties and as such should be looked at more closely.
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Property Demands on Future Biodiesel

Rapeseed oil methyl ester (RME) is currently not suitable for diesel particulate filters. The boiling characteristic of RME is an additional problem that presumably limits its further usability in Euro VI engines. Currently, hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO) is in the state of obtaining acceptance as alternative fuel in the German legislation and is in the focus of discussions world-wide.
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Project report for the release of DEUTZ Euro IV common rail engines for biodiesel out

The availability of release declarations is the precondition for the future marketing of biodiesel as only fuel or as blending component in diesel fuel. With the target of obtaining the release for the TCD 2013 4V of emission level EURO IV with DEUTZ Common Rail injection system in commercial trucks, an engine and function test on the test rig and a field test for making sure of the biodiesel compatibility were performed by DEUTZ AG with financial assistance from the Union zur Förderung von Oel- und Proteinpflanzen e.V. (UFOP).
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Memorandum submitted by the Associations of the German Biofuel Industries BDBe, UFOP and VDB concerning the Blending of Biofuels

The Associations of the German Biofuel Industries state: - The proportion of biofuels in the fuels market has dropped dramatically since 2008, mainly due to the setback of the market for pure biofuels (B100 and vegetable oil). - The blending of biofuels to fossil fuels cannot compensate the setback of the pure biofuels market.
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Biodiesel & Co.

The situation and future challanges of the biodiesel sector in Germany and in the European Union 2009/2010 - the implementation of the ordinance for sustainable biofuels. Extracts from the UFOP report 2008/2009 written by Dieter Bockey, Biodiesel specialist of the UFOP. The extract gives an overview about the development of Biodiesel production and sales in Germany and describes the political discussion and decisions affecting Biofuels.
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Currently Biodiesel (RME) is mixed according to EN 14214 and EN 590 with up to 5% of fossil Diesel fuel. With a further increase of RME fraction to 10% (B10 blend), there are uncertainties regarding the undisturbed longlife behavior due to variations of the physicochemical properties of RME in comparison to commercial Diesel fuel.
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No-harm list of oxidation stabilizers for biodiesel

Whenever additives for biodiesel (FAME) are used as blending component in diesel fuel it is very important that the additives are not interacting with the mineral fuel, the additives of the mineral fuel or the engine oil in any forbidden way. In addition to the substance BHT (3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-toluene), known as stabilizer of biodiesel for a long time, other substances and products are available in the market. To ensure the safe use, negative impacts of these additives on the performance of the engine must be excluded, from the mixing with the biodiesel (solution behaviour) and the use as blending component in diesel fuel (B7).
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DEUTZ Tier 3 engines successfully tested with biodiesel

Industrial engines of the TCD 2012 and 2013 series released for operation with biodiesel DEUTZ AG, Cologne, has successfully tested operation of the six-cylinder engines of the 2012 4V series (bore/stroke 101/126 mm) with rapeseed methyl ester (RME). Thus operation of the Tier 3 engines of the 2012 and 2013 series with biodiesel fuel according to DIN EN 14214 can be recommended without any restriction. This is the result of comprehensive tests carried out recently with the support of the “Union zur Förderung von Oel- und Proteinpflanzen” (UFOP).
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Environmental Effects of Modern Diesel Fuels and Their Blends

In its 2004 report on sustainable development the previous German government reached the conclusion for fuels that by 2020 the increase in efficiency in diesel and Otto engines as well as innovative power generation concepts will play a central role. Biofuels such as biodiesel will in the future particularly be incorporated as components of blends. The same conclusion was reached by the previous German government for the future use of both Gas to Liquid fuels (GTL) as well as Biomass to Liquid fuels (BTL). Concerning the above formulated theses, the new German government will probably come to a similar assessment, too.
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Current situation and prospects for biodiesel and vegetable oils as fuels: From niche products to market players

The updated report of the UFOP “Biodiesel and vegetable oils as fuels” offers an overview of the current situation of biodiesel and vegetable oils. In 1990 when the UFOP was founded, biodiesel was an unknown product in Germany. With its inter-professional structure, the association had placed its reliance on this alternative fuel from the very beginning. In the meantime biodiesel has established itself as the biofuel in Germany.
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